Does anyone recall it? It was a good example of the ugly tennis Nadal represents, no? Not bad for a simple retriever who only waits for his rival to make the error

Ok, ok, enough already. Stop rubbing it in. It's an established fact now that Rafa is the best clay court player, period. Now it's all grass and I just can't wait to see Rafa do something more serious on this surface and convince everyone once and for all that his defensive clay court style of play can be an effective offensive weapon at Wimbledon. Believe me, I'll be the first one to praise Rafa on this tremendous accomplishment!
Anyways, congrats and all the props to the two-time reigning king of clay - Rafael Nadal!!!!!!!!!!!

Does anyone recall it? It was a good example of the ugly tennis Nadal represents, no? Not bad for a simple retriever who only waits for his rival to make the error

It was one of the best games I've seen Rafa play. He's been more and more aggressive this year, and I love it. I hope he watches this game 100 times and remembers it next time he starts to be too defensive.

There was also one game in the MC final (I hope I remember correctly) where he broke Roger to love. It looked as if he thought: "Ok, I'm going to break now" and he did, just like that. Awesome play as well.

It is a big stereotype that Nadal is a simple retriever. He can use his speed and court anticipation aggressively, for example Roger does not hit the backhand slice so much on clay against Rafa because Rafa has enough time to hit an offensive shot after that, if it not exceptional.

Curiously enough, after adjusting for aces he had more winners on Friday against Ljubicic, a player that much prefers to attack.

Nobody really believes that Nadal is a "simple retriever." They just say it to get a rise out of Rafa fans. And all the Rafa fans surely know this, but they probably invoke the line just to rally the masses. Like tenniswiz just said, Rafa's the best claycourter. Federer admitted as much after the match.

Nobody really believes that Nadal is a "simple retriever." They just say it to get a rise out of Rafa fans. And all the Rafa fans surely know this, but they probably invoke the line just to rally the masses. Like tenniswiz just said, Rafa's the best claycourter. Federer admitted as much after the match.

That's generous of you to believe, but I think you are wrong. There are people who think he's "just" a counterpuncher. Even Roger describes Nadal with that word.